Read the Bible Through Week 9

As the Israelites were ending their 40 year wandering in the wilderness, they began to get very uneasy and impatient with the situation. God had great things in store for them, but they just couldn't seem to wait. How often do I do that? God has a plan for me. He has promised me many things. I must remember that He knows what is best for me and when the best time will be. I need to keep my hands out of His plan!


God spoke to me in the following ways during each day's readings.

• Numbers 6-9: Don't make compromises with God. Pray for a workable situation. Instead of praying "Why do you want me to do next?," pray "What do you want me to do right here?" Discover God's purpose for your life by discovering what He wants now.
• Numbers 10-23; Psalm 90: Stability isn't a lack of change but moving with God in every circumstance. Take your complaints to God and not each other. He can solve any problem. Don't let negatives cause you to lose sight of God's promises.
• Numbers 14-16; Psalm 95: Don't stop trusting God just as you are ready to reach your goal. He brought you this far and won't let you down. Don't regret advice you don't like. It may be God's method of telling you his message. We must not only do what is right, but it must be at the right time.
• Numbers 17-20: Troubles are often a result of our disobedience and lack of faith. God is not to blame.
• Numbers 21-24: Complaining comes from a thoughtless attitude. Deal with the cause of the complaint, so it won't take hold of your life. We must look at the long term benefits of following God instead of the fame and fortune.
• Numbers 25-28: God works in quiet ways to bring about his long range purpose.

I still urge you take this challenge of reading the Bible through in one year. This is a challenge I am going to undertake each year from now on. If you are just now getting started, start with this week's scripture. Don't try to catch up. You can read that next year.

• Monday, March 5: Numbers 29-32
• Tuesday, March 6: Numbers 33-36
• Wednesday, March 7: Deuteronomy 1-3
• Thursday, March 8: Deuteronomy 4-7
• Friday, March 9: Deuteronomy 8-11
• Saturday, March 10: Deuteronomy 12-15

~Cara

Read the Bible Through Week 8

As I trudged through Leviticus and into Numbers, I had to continually remind myself that "All scripture is God breathed." (2 Timothy 3:16) God offered a lot of advice in these chapters on being prepared for worship and being holy. Holy is being different, set apart, and unique. God commands us to be different than society. He asks that we "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Luke 10:27) I want to be holy!

• Leviticus 11-14: "Therefore, be holy because I am holy." (11:45) We must prepare ourselves for worship by living for God all week not just on Sunday.
• Leviticus 15-18: God is holy. We should prepare our hearts before we pray and worship.
• Leviticus 19-22: The Bible is not a list of rules. Jesus said to love God with all our hearts. If we love God, we want to follow His commands.
• Leviticus 23-25: God owns everything. We are only a manger. We are taking care of His property, so make it available to others.
• Leviticus 26-27, Numbers 1-2: God takes promises seriously. If we promise something to Him, we must fulfill that no matter the circumstances. 
• Numbers 3-5: We can all enter the presence of God without fear. Look for ways to make wrongs right.

Next week's plan:

• Monday, February 27: Numbers 6-9
• Tuesday, February 28: Numbers 10-13
• Wednesday, February 29: Numbers 14-16, Psalm 95
• Thursday, March 1: Numbers 17-20
• Friday, March 2: Numbers 21-24
• Saturday, March 3: Numbers 25-28

~Cara

Sunday School-Read the Bible Through Week 7

God gave Moses specific orders of how to build the tabernacle, perform sacrifices, and prepare for worship. Aaron and his sons did "everything the Lord commanded." Do we do everything the Lord commands of us? Since God sent his son, Jesus, as the ultimate sacrifice, it is no longer necessary for us to perform these rituals. However, God still commands us to do things-spread the Gospel, love one another, repent our sins, give to those in need, etc. God wants use to follow Him completely.


Here is a summary of last week's readings:

• Exodus 29-32: We worship the creator and sustainor of the universe. Don't rush into worship and treat it as casual. God cannot work in us when we elevate things above Him.
• Exodus 33-36: No matter what your talent is, use it for God's glory.
• Exodus 37-40: God is concerned about the big and little details. Talk to Him about all your concerns no matter how unimportant they seem. If God tells you to do something, do it right and completely.
• Leviticus 1-4: Although Jesus' death was the final sacrifice, we must sill confess our sins before God. They will be forgiven.
• Leviticus 5-7: When we are aware that God lives in us, we can be confident that He will forgive and restore us.
• Leviticus 8-10: Spiritual cleansing comes only from God. Serve God in your daily routines. Follow His instructions thoroughly. 

Next week's plan is:

• Monday, February 20: Leviticus 11-14
• Tuesday, February 21: Leviticus 15-18
• Wednesday, February 22: Leviticus 19-22
• Thursday, February 23: Leviticus 23-25
• Friday, February 24: Leviticus 24-25, Numbers 1-2
• Saturday, February 25: Numbers 3-5

I encourage you to read the Bible through in a year. If you have not started the plan yet, that is OK. Pick up with this week's readings. Do not try to catch up. You will find more information about the reading plan {here}.

~Cara

Read the Bible Through Week 6

As I continue my commitment of reading the Bible through this year, I am thrilled that God speaks to me each day. God knows my thoughts, needs, and concerns and answers those in his Word. This week, God spoke to me about the plan he has for my life. Although, I may not be aware of that plan, He assures me that the plan is in place.

• Exodus 5-9: Sometimes a clear message from God is followed by a time when no change is apparent. Focus on God rather than the goal.
• Exodus 10-13: God doesn't always lead us on the shortest route to our goal. Don't complain. Just follow Him. He already knows the destination. He is guiding us on the safest, best route. Preparing for the goal shows our faith.
• Exodus 14-18: Sometimes, we see ourselves in a problem with no way out. God will open up a way. When pressure comes, resist the pressure to escape. God will help you deal with the cause of your stress. Pray when you feel like complaining.
• Exodus 19-21: Keeping God at the center of life keeps things from turning into gods.
• Exodus 22-24: Make your wrongs right. As Christians, our lifestyle should show faith. We should obey God instead of doing what is accepted by society. Work for six days, and rest on the seventh.
• Exodus 25-28: So much planning was put into the tabernacle. God planned my life the same way! Talents are given to glorify God. How can you use them for His glory?

Next week's reading plan:

• Monday, February 13: Exodus 29-32
• Tuesday, February 14: Exodus 33-36
• Wednesday, February 15: Exodus 37-40
• Thursday, February 16: Leviticus 1-4
• Friday, February 17: Leviticus 5-7
• Saturday, February 18: Leviticus 8-10

Again, I challenge you to make this commitment with me. If you are just now getting started or have gotten behind, pick up here. Don't try to catch up. You will be able to do that next year!

~Cara

Read the Bible Through Week 5

Job suffered. He suffered for reasons unknown to him. Through it all, he never lost sight of his love for God. Job's trust in God never wavered. This week's readings taught me a lot about trusting God through the good and bad times. I also reflected on the fact that God has a plan for my life. He will reveal His plan in His time. Therefore, I am not to worry about His timing but learn through it. Here is how God spoke to me this week:

• Job 25-28: We can't claim sinless lives, but we can claim forgiven lives. Delight in God, and call upon Him in the bad times. "The fear of the Lord-that is wisdom and to shun evil is understanding." Job 28:28
• Job 29-32: It is OK to cry out to God. He already knows our thoughts, prayers, and needs, but He wants to hear them from us.
• Job 33-36: We should trust God's goodness, even though we don't know why our lives are going a certain way.
• Job 37:1-40:5; Psalm 19: God always speaks at the right time. His plan may come over the course of your life and not at the moment you desire.
• Job 40:6-42:17; Psalm 29: Those who persist in trusting God will be rewarded. It may not be today but in this lifetime. God will give you strength as you wait.
• Exodus 1-4: God acts at the best time. We can't see His time schedule. Trust your future to God because He already knows the plan. If we are weak, God will provide our strength.

The following is next week's plan. If you would like to go through this journey with me, don't feel like you have to catch up. Start now with these passages. You will truly be blessed!

• Monday, February 6: Exodus 5-9
• Tuesday, February 7: Exodus 10-13
• Wednesday, February 8: Exodus 14-18
• Thursday, February 9: Exodus 19-21
• Friday, February 10: Exodus 22-24
• Saturday, February 11: Exodus 25-28

~Cara
Pin It

Read the Bible Through Week 4

Job is not the easiest book in the Bible to read. It is full of devastation, loss, questioning, and suffering. However, God shares some great life lessons for us through the story of Job. Read my summaries of what God said to me through my readings.


Job 1-5: Put the roots of your faith deep into God, so you can withstand any storm that you face. When someone is in need, go to them but be sensitive of how you comfort them. Sometimes, your presence is enough.
Job 6-9: God is in control. He will take care of you. Express your feelings to God. Be patient with other's impatience.
Job 10-13: God wants only the very best for you. We can't hide from God. He sees and hears everything.
Job 14-17: No matter how bad things are in the present, God offers the hope of eternal life. All we must do is accept it. Depend on God for hope.
Job 18-21: "I know that my Redeemer lives." (19:23) To God, success is based on a person's heart. He is in control.
Job 22-24: If God has forgiven and accepted us, we are forgiven indeed. 


Next week's readings:
Monday, January 30: Job 25-28
Tuesday, January 31: Job 29-32
Wednesday, February 1: Job 33-36
Thursday, February 2: Job 37:1-40:5, Psalm 19
Friday, February 3: Job 40:6-42:17, Psalm 29
Saturday, February 4: Exodus 1-4

~Cara

Pin It

Read the Bible Through Week 3

This week's reading revolved around the story of Joseph. Joseph experienced great turmoils. However, God's plan was revealed. It may not have been Joseph's plan, but God was preparing him for great things. 


Here is what God revealed to me through each day's readings:

• Genesis 30-33: God encouraged persistence through our spiritual lives, too. Strong character develops through tough situations. We can run, or we can pray.
• Genesis 34-37: "I am God almighty." (35:11). Our talents and knowledge come from God. Be thankful for them. Don't brag about them. Jealousy leads to serious sin.
• Genesis 38-40: Don't try to just avoid temptation. Turn and run! An effective witness relates God to others' experiences. When overlooked, trust God. More opportunities are waiting.
• Genesis 41-43: Opportunities may come our way when we least expect them. Be ready to call on God by getting to know more about Him. Don't be silent when you should give credit and honor to God. Planning is a responsibility not an option.
• Genesis 44-46: God is in control far beyond the immediate situation. God forgives us even though we sin against Him. All we have to do is ask.
• Genesis 47-50: God will honor faithfulness. God can use me to carry out His plans even without all the complications. Everything good comes from God. Trust in God that gave you your gifts. Don't let your trust become misplaced. Utilize the potential God gave you.

The study I am using, Reader's Guide to the Bible by George H. Guthrie, is a chronological reading plan. For this reason, we skip to the book of Job.

• Monday, January 23: Job 1-5
• Tuesday, January 24: Job 6-9
• Wednesday, January 25: Job 10-13
• Thursday, January 26: Job 14-17
• Friday, January 27: Job 18-21
• Saturday, January 28: Job 22-24

I am looking forward to what God has to say this week. Feel free to share your comments, too.

~Cara
Pin It

Read the Bible Through Week 2

This week, our reading introduced us to Abraham and Sarah, Lot, and Jacob and Esau. God spoke to me through these readings by reminding me to let Him be in control of everything. It may not be in my time, but He will bless me in His time. God's timing is perfect!


Here is my summary of this week's readings:


Genesis 12-13: Don't let comfort and security cause you to walk away from God's calling. Regular worship helps to motivate us, remember His desires, and obey Him. Don't second guess God. When you stop making God's choices, our choices take us in the wrong direction.


Genesis 14-16: Sometimes, we must simply wait on God's plan. Don't be tempted to take God's plan in you own hands. God's blessings are beyond our imaginations.


Genesis 17-19: Is anything too hard for the Lord? (Gen 18:14) Our prayers won't change God's mind, but they'll change ours. Ask for His help.


Genesis 20-23: When we do what God asks, His blessings outweigh our sacrifices. Our blessings are intended to overflow to others.


Genesis 24-26: God wants to grant our requests, but we must ask. He may hold off on His answer to let us see what we really need, to be appreciative of His answer, or allow us to mature to be of better service.


Genesis 27-29: Patience is hardest when we need it the most, but it is the key to achieving our goals. the most important desires are worth waiting for.


Next Week's Reading Plan:
Monday, January 16: Genesis 30-33
Tuesday, January 17: Genesis 34-37
Wednesday, January 18: Genesis 38-40
Thursday, January 19: Genesis 41-43
Friday, January 20: Genesis 44-46
Saturday, January 21: Genesis 47-50


I'm looking forward to what God has to say this week!

~Cara

Pin It

Sunday School-Read the Bible Through Week 1 Summary

Recently, I blogged about reading the Bible through during 2012. This week, God taught me several of His promises through the stories of the creation, Adam and Eve and their family, and Noah. I want to share these with you. I use the NIV Life Application Bible during my devotions. The commentaries make the readings more applicable to my daily journeys.

Genesis 1-2: Honor God in all you do. Be proud of your successes (God is!). We are created in His image. Criticizing ourselves is criticizing Him.
John 1:1-3; Psalm 8; Psalm 104: We exist only because God created us. Without Him, we are nothing. We are His most valuable creation. Praise Him for all He has done.
Genesis 3-5: Try to be like God. When we leave God out of our plans, we are putting ourselves above Him. Don't try to hide from God. All things are His.
Genesis 6-7: Don't worry about details that are out of our control and neglect what is in our control (attitudes, responsibilities, etc.). Concentrate on what God has given you, and leave the rest to Him.
Genesis 8-9; Psalm 12: We must trust that God will give us patience during the difficult times. God is a protecting God.
Genesis 10-11: We sometimes build monuments (big houses, cars, jobs, etc.) to ourselves. This isn't wrong unless it takes the place of God.


Next week's reading plan is:
Monday, January 9, 2012: Genesis 12-13
Tuesday, January 10, 2012: Genesis 14-16
Wednesday, January 11, 2012: Genesis 17-19
Thursday, January 12, 2012: Genesis 20-23
Friday, January 13, 2012: Genesis 24-29
Saturday, January 14, 2012: Genesis 27-29

~Cara

Read the Bible Through Week 1

As a church, we are reading the Bible through in one year. We are using a chronological plan, Reader's Guide the the Bible: Chronological Reading Plan , written by George H. Guthrie . Each Sunday, I will post the reading plan for the next week. It is a six day reading plan. The seventh day is to spend in worship with your church family and reflection of the weekly readings. Also, I am going to provide a brief summary of what God said to me each day during the previous week's reading. I challenge you to set this goal with me. God will truly bless you!


Monday, January 2: Genesis 1-2
Tuesday, January 3: John 1:1-3; Psalm 8; Psalm 104
Wednesday, January 4: Genesis 3-5
Thursday, January 5: Genesis 6-7
Friday, January 6: Genesis 8-9; Psalm 12
Saturday, January 7: Genesis 10-11


~Cara